Dr. Sanjiv Lakhanpal
Chairman of the Board.
The founder, President & CEO of Viksitamritsar.org Dr. Sanjiv Lakhanpal. represents Ambarsarias’ the world over who desire to give back to a city that gave them so much. Give back not as charity but in a way that enhances pride and self-respect in the youth of Amritsar, in a way no different than what we want for our own children!!
Dr. Mukesh Aghi
President & Chief Executive Officer of the US- India Strategic Partnership Forum
Dr. Mukesh Aghi is the President & Chief Executive Officer of the US- India Strategic Partnership Forum. In his current role, He works extensively with business and government leaders in the U.S. and India to promote trade and strengthen ties between the two countries. He has over 20 years of success in powering business expansion globally, boosting revenue, and increasing margins for companies in a variety of sectors.
Previously, He served as Chief Executive and Member of the Board at L&T Infotech where he expanded the business on a global level by establishing the global services function, building the global sales leadership team, and preparing for an IPO. During his time at Steria, Inc. (India), He served as Chairman and CEO of the Asia-Pacific region and oversaw a major merger to transform the company into a $2B+ business. Additionally, He was the founding CEO of Universitas 21 Global, the world’s largest consortium of research-led universities and global leader in providing post-graduate online education. Earlier in his career, Dr. Aghi served as President of IBM India for IBM Corporation, and spent time working with Ariba, Inc. and JD Edwards & Co. He holds several degrees, including an advanced management diploma from Harvard Business School, a Ph.D. in international relations from Claremont Graduate University, an MBA in international marketing from Andrews University, and a BA in business administration from the Middle East College, Beirut, Lebanon. He also currently serves as a trustee at Claremont Graduate University. As a fluent speaker in many international languages, He was recognized by Esquire Magazine as a Global Leader and has won many awards over the course of his professional career, including the J. R. D. Tata Leadership Award. Most recently, He was the recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award. In his free time, He is a major marathon and mountaineering enthusiast. He has competed in over 27 international marathons and climbed some of the highest peaks in North America and Europe.
Previously, He served as Chief Executive and Member of the Board at L&T Infotech where he expanded the business on a global level by establishing the global services function, building the global sales leadership team, and preparing for an IPO. During his time at Steria, Inc. (India), He served as Chairman and CEO of the Asia-Pacific region and oversaw a major merger to transform the company into a $2B+ business. Additionally, He was the founding CEO of Universitas 21 Global, the world’s largest consortium of research-led universities and global leader in providing post-graduate online education. Earlier in his career, Dr. Aghi served as President of IBM India for IBM Corporation, and spent time working with Ariba, Inc. and JD Edwards & Co. He holds several degrees, including an advanced management diploma from Harvard Business School, a Ph.D. in international relations from Claremont Graduate University, an MBA in international marketing from Andrews University, and a BA in business administration from the Middle East College, Beirut, Lebanon. He also currently serves as a trustee at Claremont Graduate University. As a fluent speaker in many international languages, He was recognized by Esquire Magazine as a Global Leader and has won many awards over the course of his professional career, including the J. R. D. Tata Leadership Award. Most recently, He was the recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award. In his free time, He is a major marathon and mountaineering enthusiast. He has competed in over 27 international marathons and climbed some of the highest peaks in North America and Europe.
Dr. Sudhir Seksaria
Founder, past president and current Board member of Greater Washington Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GWAPI).
Involved with several Seva activities with Ekal Vidyalaya imparting education and Holistic development of tribal villages in India, Covid relief efforts during pandemic both in India and US. Politically engaged with several political campaigns in US. Member of Maryland Economic Council. Past Chair of AAPI (American Association of Physicians of Indian origin) Legislative Committee. Lifetime Achievement Award from GWAPI and American Diversity Group.
Chief of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore MD. Trained at National Institutes of Health (NIH) with Dr. Anthony Fauci and his team on Stem Cell Engineering and Gene Therapy. Principal Investigator on more than 50 clinical research trials on new biologic therapies. Published more than 100 peer reviewed articles, abstracts and US national presentations.
Chief of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore MD. Trained at National Institutes of Health (NIH) with Dr. Anthony Fauci and his team on Stem Cell Engineering and Gene Therapy. Principal Investigator on more than 50 clinical research trials on new biologic therapies. Published more than 100 peer reviewed articles, abstracts and US national presentations.
Jesse Singh
Founder President - Sikhs for America.
is an Indian-American businessman and politician renowned for his advocacy and community service within the South Asian community in the United States. He is the founder and chairman of Sikhs of America Inc.an organization dedicated to promoting Sikh contributions to American society.
He has Served as the Chairman of the Maryland Governor’s Commision on South Asian affairs for 12 years and is also advisor on the coalition on diversity for President Trump.
He also heads a large organization that runs several residential and vocational programs for Individuals with Intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Ashish Lakhanpal
Founder and Managing Director of Kismet Capital, LLC
Ashish is the Founder and Managing Director of Kismet Capital, LLC, an alternative investment firm based outside of Washington, D.C. Ashish has over twenty-five years of investing experience in private and growth equity as well structured and private credit in the U.S., India, ASEAN countries. With a focus on the real estate, hospitality, energy and financial services industries, Ashish has led the founding and follow-on investments in SKS Microfinance (India’s largest microfinance company) and Thai Millennium Fund (owner of over 1,500 hotel & serviced apartment units in Bangkok, Thailand) among others. Ashish has served on the board of publicly listed SKS Microfinance and Bharat Financial Inclusion (acquired by IndusInd Bank) among others. Prior to founding Kismet, Ashish was the Managing Director of Think Capital, LLC, a New York based Family Office, and had experience at Goldman Sachs & Co. as well as McKinsey & Company. Ashish holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude, from Georgetown University.